Powell praises Finn’s contribution to Castleford team

Tony Harber

Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell has hailed the match winning contribution of Liam Finn against Warrington and outlined how important his contribution is to the team.

The former Featherstone Rovers half-back has come in for some flak from supporters on social media sites, but his head coach sprang to his defence and was full of praise for the way he kept his composure to land the crucial 79th minute drop-goal that earned the Tigers their latest three points.

Powell told the Express: “For Liam Finn to come up with that play after he’d had a tough period in the game with that kick for their try showed some composure.

“He was kicking with his left foot and it was a great effort. He’s done that a couple of times now this year.

“You reap what you sow with your practice and Liam’s one of the hardest workers at the club in practising his skill sets.

“I don’t think it’s fair if any fans have criticised him. Everybody has a role to play in the team and Liam’s been excellent.

“He’s a controlling half who’s got a real knowledge of the game.

“Liam’s never been a really sharp half-back with his legs, but between the ears he’s exceptionally sharp and he plays a really big part in our team.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve been fourth and we’re pushing again for that slot and he’s played a really big part of that.

“That over the recent seasons hasn’t always been the case for Castleford so people should take a look at the big picture.”

Powell added: “I’ve every faith in Liam Finn as a player and I know he’s highly regarded by the players who take the field with him.

“He’s just a really good player, solid, composed, and a measured individual.

“I’ve never seen a player who is 100 per cent perfect and Liam’s not that, but he does a great job for us and I can’t speak highly enough of the way he goes about his business. He’s a quality bloke and he’s a tidy player. He does his role exceptionally well.”